The City of Whittlesea has built the Mernda Social Support Centre to provide day respite and social support services for older residents living in the municipality's northern suburbs.
The centre, which is located at 70 Mernda Village Drive next to the Mernda Village Community Activity Centre, opened to the public in July 2023.
Priority access to services will be given to residents aged 65 years and over and to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents aged 50 years and over.
The suite of services that will be offered at the centre will help older residents maintain their independence and continue to be active participants in the community.
The centre started offering some services in July 2023, with more becoming available in the following months.
A number of accredited allied healthcare providers and community organisations will run programs from the centre.
These programs are likely to include:
- Exercise classes for older adults led by a qualified and accredited exercise physiologist
- Dementia and memory program delivered by a team of allied health staff to support people experiencing cognitive decline or memory loss
- Wellbeing skills group sessions for older adults teaching people psychological skills to maintain their mental wellbeing
- Digital mentoring and engagement sessions
- Cultural, social and information-based events
The 517-square-metre centre features three activity rooms, kitchen, consulting room, staff office, outdoor barbecue area and accessible amenities.
It includes a number of sustainability features, including an in-ground water tank, double-glazed windows, LED lighting, gas-free appliances and PV solar system.
The centre was built in accordance with the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and Australia Dementia-Friendly guidelines.
It also features a Changing Places facility that will allow people with high support needs to participate in community life without worrying about accessing a suitable toilet or change facility.
For more information, or to book the centre's specialist facilities, email communityfacilities@whittlesea.vic.gov.au or call Council on 03 9217 2170.